PG&E Says Power Shutoffs Required in California on Wildfire Risk

PG&E Corp. warned that power shutoffs will be required on Wednesday and Thursday in three California counties as dry conditions and gusty winds increase fire risks.

PG&E is taking steps to preemptively shut off electricity to homes and businesses in the region. The utility cited high winds and dry conditions for required outages in Monterey, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties. Shut offs are also likely in seven additional counties, including Santa Barbara and Marin, the company said on its website.

Related: California Utility Bills Are 20% Higher Due to Wildfires

The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire warnings for parts of the area through Thursday due to strong winds, low humidity and hot temperatures.

Utilities in the U.S. West have had to take drastic precautions such as shutting off power during increasingly warm and dry weather to limit their risk of starting deadly fires and incurring financial liabilities. This is the second time in just about a month that PG&E has resorted to so-called public safety power shutoffs.

Top photo: Electrical power polls stand outside of Novato, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Bloomberg.